Mike Comrie will have to conquer a bout with the flu if he’s going to be in the lineup tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Senators winger was unable to take part in this today’s game-day skate at Scotiabank Place.

“He’s feeling a little better this morning,” coach Cory Clouston said of Comrie, who scored the shootout winner Saturday in Pittsburgh. “If he keeps going in the right direction, he’ll be fine.”

If not, the Senators are going to have to do some juggling.

“It definitely affects our lines,” said Clouston, who has planned to use Comrie with Mike Fisher and Daniel Alfredsson, while Jason Spezza centres Dany Heatley and Ryan Shannon on the other scoring line.

Either way, the Senators will not be firing at Buffalo’s Patrick Lalime tonight. After making nine starts in a row, the former Ottawa goalie is getting a break from Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. Ex-Toronto Maple Leaf Mikael Tellqvist will work the pipes for Buffalo.

“We expect a solid effort from him,” said Ruff. “Patty had been playing so well, but I made the decision four days ago to give him a rest.”

The Sabres are currently in 10th place, three points out of a playoff spot.

Clinging to their own long odds to sneak into the post-season, the Senators have won four in a row at home and five of their last six.